John Bengel Commentary - Romans 8:28 - 8:28

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John Bengel Commentary - Romans 8:28 - 8:28


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Rom 8:28. Οἴδαμεν δὲ, Moreover we know) An antithesis to, we know not, Rom 8:26.-τοῖς ἀγαπῶσι, to them that love) The subject is here described from the fruit of those things, which have been hitherto mentioned,-namely, love to God; and this love also makes believers [by a happy art] dexterously to take in good part all things which God sends upon them, and perseveringly to overcome all difficulties and temptations, [Jam 1:12. Paul is an example, 2Co 1:3-11.-V. g.] Presently after, in the case of the called, the reason is given, why a predicate so excellent is attributed to this subject [why such blessed things are predicated of them who love God].-πάντα συνεργεῖ) all things work together, by means of groanings, and in other ways. So 1Ma 12:1, ὁ καιρὸς αὐτῷ συνεργεῖ, time works with (serves) him.-εἰς ἀγαθὸν, for good) even as far as to [up to] their glorification, Rom 8:30, at the end.-τοῖς κατὰ πρόθεσιν κλητοῖς οὖσιν, to those who are the called according to His purpose) This is a new proposition in reference to what follows. The apostle designs to give a recapitulation of all the advantages involved in justification and glorification, Rom 8:30, and accordingly returns now first of all to its deepest [most remote] roots, which only can be known from these their sweetest fruits themselves:[98] he at the same time hereby prepares us for the ninth chapter [which treats chiefly of God’s election and calling]: πρόθεσις is the purpose, which God determined to carry into effect concerning the salvation of His own people. κλητοῖς, the called, is a noun, not a participle; inasmuch as οὖσιν is added [which it would not be, if κλητοῖς were a participial adjective], who are the called:-the purpose is unfolded, Rom 8:29, the called, Rom 8:30.

[98] i.e. the root, God’s calling and everlasting election, is known from the blessed fruits (all things working for their good) which it bears to the called.-ED.